Arsenal and Man Utd set to hold TALKS with Roma over £30m deal for Mehdi Benatia

TALKS: Arsenal and Manchester United are set to hold talks with Roma over a £30m deal for Mehdi Benatia [GETTY]

That is despite the defender making it clear he wants to join Bayern Munich.

The German giants are keen to land the 27-year-old, but, as of yet, have failed to agree a fee with Roma.

It is understood Bayern have offered £24m for Benatia, who is valued at £30m by Roma.

But according to Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, Bayern could now miss out on the Morocco international.

The report claims Roma directors Walter Sabatini and Mauro Baldissoni will fly to England this week to hold talks with Arsenal and United over a potential deal for Benatia.

Roma are determined to get their full asking price for Benatia and believe either Arsenal or United will stump up the cash.

Benatia, who has previously attracted interest from Chelsea, Liverpool and Premier League champs Manchester City, is thought to have held discussions with United last weekend over a switch to Old Trafford.

United boss Louis van Gaal is desperate to strengthen the centre of his defence.

Although new signing Marcos Rojo can play as a centre-back, his preferred, and most suited, role is at left-back.

United have failed to bolster their centre-back options following the departures of veterans Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic at the end of last season.

And Van Gaal will need to fend off competition from Arsenal in the race to land Benatia.

Arsene Wenger wants to add another centre-back to his ranks following the departure of Thomas Vermaelen to Barcelona.

That is despite the sensational start to the season made by new signing Calum Chambers, a £15m arrival from Southampton.